Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • October 17, 2012 Mahwah Minutes Donald Cooper Railroad open The Donald Cooper Railroad, located at the Mahwah Museum at 201 Franklin Turnpike, is back in operation after being closed for the summer. The HO-scale model railroad has seven trains running at most times, including replicas of many of the trains that ran through Mahwah in the golden age of the railroad. There are two railroad yards, one for passenger trains and one for freight trains, so visitors can see how the operators of the railroads moved cars around as they were needed. The scenery includes all aspects of the rural and suburban countryside and features a replica of the Great Falls in Paterson. There is a New York City subway complete with graffiti, and a street fair at the south end of the layout. The Donald Cooper Railroad was the gift to the Museum by Renee Darboe, a Mahwah resident whose late husband, Donald Cooper, collected over 700 cars and 70 locomotives during his lifetime. The layout is the devoted work of a group of railroad volunteers who work many hours each week to maintain the cars and tracks, and keep the railroad in good condition. The meticulously detailed scenery is primarily the work of Starlene Van Dunk. The Donald Cooper Railroad is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, hours will also be held on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www. mahwahmuseum.org or call (201) 5120099. The Mahwah Museum receives operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission in the Department of State. Halloween Parade set The Mahwah Recreation Department will host its annual Halloween Parade at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The event will be held at Commodore Perry Field on East Ramapo Avenue. Mahwah children and their families are welcome to participate. New this year will be a prize for the best costume by an adult accompanying a child. Reflection service, book discussion set On Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 900 Darlington Avenue in Mahwah will offer a quiet reflection on the Beatitudes with Lectio Divina. Latin for “divine reading,” Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of prayer and contemplation of the Scriptures. The Church of the Immaculate Conception practices the prayer of Lectio Divina monthly. The Not by Bread Alone Spiritual Book Discussion Group will discuss “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis on Sunday, Oct. 28. The group meets at 5 p.m. at Panera Bread, which is located at 1300 State Route 17 in Ramsey. “Mere Christianity,” has been read by millions worldwide, explains and defends the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times. Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations, Lewis finds a common ground on which all Christians can stand together. For more information, contact the church at (201) 327-1276 or Jennifer. EdwardsICC@gmail.com. Naipaul book to be discussed This Evening book discussion group will discuss V.S. Naipaul’s “A House for Mr. Biswas.” The Wednesday session will meet on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Mahwah Public Library at 100 Ridge Road. This early masterpiece of Naipaul’s brilliant career, “A House for Mr. Biswas” is an unforgettable story inspired by Naipual’s father. The book has been hailed as one of the 20th century’s finest novels. In his 46 short years, Mohun Biswas fought destiny to achieve some semblance of independence, only to face a lifetime of calamity. Shuttled from one residence to another after the drowning death of this father, for which he was inadvertently responsible, Biswas yearns for a place he can call home. However, when he marries into the domineering Tulsi family, Biswas embarks on an arduous struggle to weaken their hold over him and purchase a house of his own. A heart-rending, dark comedy of manners, “A House for Mr. Biswas” masterfully evokes a man’s quest for autonomy against an emblematic post-colonial canvas. Play a Les Paul guitar Musicians are invited to sign up to play precious guitars once owned by Les Paul. Forty-five minute sessions will be held at the Mahwah Museum on Oct. 24 and Dec. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. Among the guitars available is one that was made especially for Paul and used in his West Coast performances. An identical guitar was kept on the East Coast for his use. There is also a guitar that was made for Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and a custom guitar made by Gibson to honor the first responders on the 10th Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Up to five players can play together at each 45-minute session. Family and friends are welcome to observe. Forty-five minute sessions are $25 per guitar player and $5 per audience member. Reservations and payment, required in advance, may be sent to: Mahwah Museum, 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430. To request a reservation, visit www.mahwahmuseum.org, e-mail lectures@mahwahmuseum.org or call (201) 512-9213. The Mahwah Museum is now featuring the “Les Paul in Mahwah” and “New Jersey Fights” exhibits. The Old Station Museum and Caboose, which exhibits a valuable collection of railroad related artifacts, is open on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. through the last weekend of October. The Old Station Museum is located at 1871 Old Station Lane, Mahwah. Admission is $3 per person or $5 per family. For more information about the Mahwah Museum, visit www.mahwahmuseum.org. The Mahwah Museum receives operating support from The New Jersey Historical Commission, Department of State. Residents invited to meet Sinclair Mahwah mayoral candidate Ed Sinclair will host a series of “Meet Ed Nights” at Continental Soldiers Park, which is located at 550 Ramapo Valley Road. Residents may meet Sinclair on Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Voters are invited to meet the candidate and ask questions. For more information, or to ask Sinclair a question, visit www.sinclairformayor.com. Chamber of Commerce plans After Hours Reception The Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours reception for members and non-members at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 290 Route 17 South in Mahwah on Oct. 25. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include networking opportunities and light refreshments. Admission is $15 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Prepaid registration is preferred for either event; an additional $5 processing fee will be charged if paid the day of event. To register, visit mahwah.com or call the Chamber office at (201) 529-5566.